Team USA retains the Solheim Cup

As I have mentioned in this blog before, the Solheim Cup is the less-well-known LPGA version of the Ryder Cup. This year’s event, held on US soil, was a huge chance for the US to come in, retain, and show their dominance. The first two days showed that the US meant business: they lead after the first day 5 1/2 to 2 1/2 and the second day by 10 1/2 to 5 1/2. However, two short years ago Team Europe was flying high with a 10 to 6 lead, only to lose the cup 14 1/2 to 13 1/2 on the last day. Maybe the US team wanted revenge for the men’s team losing at Medinah? But anyways, with that still in mind, captain Juli Inkster wanted to put out a strong team to start the day and hopefully put this team away.

However, the morning rounds did not start way Inkster or the US wanted them to. US star Lexi Thompson was down 4 within the first 4 holes to Anna Nordqvist, Paula Creamer had lost her lead over Georgia Hall, and Michelle Wie was having an awful round against Caroline Masson. It seemed as though Europe would be putting up one hell of a fight to try and take the cup back from the Americans.

That shot from Lexi turned that whole match around. She actually entered the 18th hole with a one shot lead, but ended up halving the match. Not bad after being 4 down after 9! Creamer was able to take her match vs Hall, and soon the US was on the cusp of victory!

Alas, 18 year old Angel Yin (18 ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!) was able to halve her match and the US retained. Now there was a ton of highs throughout this tournament, but Lexi Thompson’s comeback has to be the talk of the tournament. When I was watching this morning, I checked in on that score and had already conceded it to the Europeans. What Lexi did to come back and have a chance to win the match outright was nothing short of unbelievable. I thought I had a reason to doubt the 2nd best player in the world this morning, but Thompson sure did shut me up.

With such a great win, its hard to find the negatives in the group for the Americans. However, if I had to pick one, I would say Michelle Wie did not have the best weekend. I know how well she has been playing recently, and her numbers in the Solheim Cup are fantastic, so I was a little disappointed with her play. She’ll probably bounce back back and continue to play well for the rest of the year and into next year, but I expected more than 1-2-0 from her this weekend.

Overall, I felt as though it was a great tournament for the Americans. The crowds came out strong to support the home team, and they were able to deliver. Its a great time to be a fan of the LPGA and the American team!

PS: Juli Inkster and Annike Sorestam having a dance off is why the Solheim Cup is a great event and spectacle. Sure, it is competitive, but the women are out there still having fun. Just imagine if Darren Clarke and Davis Love III did this last year? Pandemonium would have broken out! Also need Sorestam to wear that hat all day every day from now on.